After Friday’s overtime victory, the Nashville Predators failed to continue its momentum in the final game of the NHL World Series, losing to the Pittsburgh Penguins, 4-0, on Sunday at the Avicii Arena in Stockholm, Sweden.
The Penguins scored three unanswered goals in the first period and outshot the Predators 11-2. Pittsburgh scored an empty-net goal in the final three minutes of the game.
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This was the Predators’ first shutout loss of the season and Nashville’s worst loss of the season, as it was the first time they had lost by four goals.
Here are three takeaways from Nashville’s loss in the NHL Global Series final.
Aside from the obvious fact that the Predators didn’t score any goals, their offense struggled to generate anything all game.
It wasn’t until the third period that the Predators managed to break a double-digit shot total in a single period, outshooting the Penguins 11-7. Nashville had just six high-danger scoring chances all night, recording three in the second period, three in the third period and none in the first.
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Nashville’s offense as a whole has slowed down in recent games, scoring just 5 times in the last 3.
The power play, which seemed to be starting to heat up, went 0-for-4 on the night. Nashville made three power plays in the second period alone and failed to convert on any of the opportunities.
The Predators’ power play is now 10 for 62 for a 16% completion rate. This is the ninth-worst power play in the NHL. They also struggled with possession of the puck, giving it away 20 times to the Penguins for 10 turnovers.
Nashville managed to keep a clean sheet, staying outside the box for the first time this season.
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November 16, 2025; Stockholm, SWEDEN; Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Danton Heinen (43) shoots against Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros (74) during a World Series ice hockey game at Avicii Arena. Mandatory credit: By Haljestam-Imagn Images
Despite being one of the league leaders in shots received and saves made, Juuse Saros struggled in November.
In five games played, he has a goals-against average of 3.18 and a save percentage of .880. He was pulled to start the third period in Monday’s 6-3 loss to the New York Rangers after allowing five goals on 12 shots.
On Sunday, he allowed three goals on just 11 shots in the first period, but Nashville opted to keep him in net. Saros finished the game making 18 saves on 22 shots for a save percentage of .857 and a goals-against average of 3.03.
Backup goalkeeper Justus Annunen struggled even more. He is 0-3-1 this year with a 3.98 goals-against average and a .833 save percentage.
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In October, Saros was praised for his efforts to keep the Predators in games and on their feet most nights. His elite play sparked trade rumors throughout the league, despite his big contract.
However, given the way things have gone this season, if Saros is struggling, so is the rest of the team.
November 16, 2025; Stockholm, SWEDEN; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Ryan Shea (5) in action against Nashville Predators center Jonathan Marchessault (81) during a World Series ice hockey game at Avicii Arena. Mandatory credit: By Haljestam-Imagn Images
During the offseason, many thought the Global Series was going to be a major checkpoint. It’s been about a month and a half since the regular season started and the Predators have the following bye week.
With a record of 6-10-4 and having suffered two bad losses in their last three games, the Predators need to make some sort of change, whether in leadership or roster, before this next quarter of the season.
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Filip Forsberg and Ryan O’Reilly carry the offense, complemented by a surprise performance from Matthew Wood, who has 10 points in 12 games in his freshman year. Michael Bunting also exceeded expectations, with 10 points in 19 games.
Roman Josi could also be classified in this category before suffering an upper body injury that placed him on injured reserve. He has five points in eight games.
Luke Evangelista and Erik Haula have the exact point totals, but both had higher expectations for the season, especially Evangelista with the lengthy contract negotiations.
Jonathan Marchessault has a minimum of six points in 16 games and Steven Stamkos has a minimum of five points in 19 games. Brady Skjei has struggled from the start, as he has six points in 19 games and a plus/minus of -11.
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Spencer Stastney was arguably the Predators’ best defenseman, scoring 7 points in 19 games. Nick Blankenburg was decent with six points in nine games. Significant offseason acquisitions Nick Perbix and Nic Hague have underperformed, as both have just three points with a plus/minus below -3.
Then there’s the conversation with Andrew Brunette. Pressure from fandom continues to mount for the team to move on from the third-year head coach.
This could be a big week for the Predators as they figure out where to go next, especially with matchups against the Colorado Avalanche and Florida Panthers on the horizon.
Following : Colorado Avalanche (12-1-5) vs. Nashville Predators (6-10-4) on Saturday, November 22 at Bridgestone Arena at 7 p.m. CST
